At the beginning of the school year, a schedule was implemented into Blackfoot High School in order to help slow and prevent the spread of the notorious COVID-19 virus. Knowing that administration carefully crafted a plan using the information they had while trying to balance the very split feelings of the community we all live in, one can only imagine the intense conversations and quiet moments in which they reflected hoping they made the right decisions. 

Next, the schedule was implemented for the first two weeks and went like this: those with the last names A-L went Monday and Wednesday, and those with the last name M-Z went Tuesday and Thursday. Students were just as split on how they felt about the schedule as the rest of the community; some liked it and some didn’t. The students who say they did like it and wish that it had been kept throughout the year say that they liked it because there weren’t as many students in the hallways so it was less crowded and everything went smoother. Those who didn’t like the schedule and are glad that it ended say that they missed their friends. One could say that everyone agrees on two points, it just wasn’t the same without everybody on campus, and this year was one for the record books.

Then, another schedule was implemented at BHS which was the AA/BB schedule. Most likely the administration spent countless hours racking their brains trying to come up with a plan that appeased all parties, but we all know all good compromises mean both sides don’t get it all their way. This new schedule had those with last names A-L going to school on Monday and Tuesday and those with last names M-Z going on Wednesday and Thursday. Many students and teachers alike thought that this schedule would be better than the other one because it wouldn’t be repeating the same day one after the other. In the end, it seemed not many people liked this schedule because it was hard to have a five day weekend then go to school for two days. 

One can only imagine the tremendous pressure and stress those that have to make these decisions are under to balance the safety and concerns that our community feels with the desires to have all the students have as normal of a school experience as possible. While we all should be allowed to have our own views and be respected for them, one must take a moment to respect the school administration, teachers, and staff that are just as nervous and worried about the COVID-19 as we the students are. The good news is we are all in this together and showing our Bronco spirit by supporting each other and keeping our school a great place to learn.